World No. 1 Roger Federer reemerges on tour this week after skipping last week's Masters Series-Madrid, attempting a first career title at his homecountry event in Basel.
The Swiss is joined among the seeds by Top 10 players
Tim Henman and
Gaston Gaudio, along with Nicolas "The Golden Child" Massu, Rainer "Shine" Schuettler,
David Nalbandian,
Tommy Robredo, and
Nicolas Kiefer.
Juan Carlos Ferrero announced he is withdrawing from Basel to prepare for Spain's match against the U.S. in the Davis Cup final in December.
Returning champs in the field are Nalbandian (2002) and Henman (2001,'98).
In last year's final, No. 3 seed
Guillermo Coria won by walkover against No. 4 David Nalbandian, who was unable to compete due to a wrist injury.
